Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is myringoplasty?
- When do I need to have myringoplasty?
- Precautions & warnings
- What do I need to know before undergoing myringoplasty?
- Process
- What should I do before undergoing myringoplasty?
- How is myringoplasty?
- What should I do after undergoing myringoplasty?
- Complications
- What complications can occur?
Definition
What is myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty is an operation to repair the hole in your eardrum. Perforation or hole in the eardrum is usually caused by an infection in the middle ear that damages the eardrum. Perforation can also be caused by trauma, for example a blow to the ear. A perforated eardrum can lead to infection ear and hearing loss.
When do I need to have myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty surgery can lower your risk of ear infections and can improve your hearing.
Precautions & warnings
What do I need to know before undergoing myringoplasty?
Keeping the ears dry by plugging in a cotton ball and Vaseline while bathing or shampooing can prevent infection. The infection can be treated with antibiotics or medical cleaning. Hearing aids can also improve your hearing.
Process
What should I do before undergoing myringoplasty?
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, allergies, or other health conditions before having surgery. Before surgery, schedule an appointment with your anesthetist. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions to stop eating or drinking before surgery. You will be given preoperative instructions, such as whether you are allowed to eat before surgery. In general, you will need to fast 6 hours before the procedure begins. You may be allowed to drink fluids, such as coffee, a few hours before the surgery.
How is myringoplasty?
The operation is usually performed under general or local anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about 1 hour to 90 minutes. Your surgeon will use a graft (a piece of tissue) to close the hole. The surgeon will place the graft through an incision in the front or back of your ear or inside your ear canal. The eardrum is removed, then the graft is placed under the eardrum and held in place by a dissolving sponge. The eardrum will be replaced.
What should I do after undergoing myringoplasty?
You are allowed to go home the same day. If you have a bandage on your head, it can be removed the next day. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities. You should be able to get back to work after about 2 weeks. Exercising can help you get back to your normal activities. Consult your doctor first. You will need to come back after 2 or 3 weeks to remove the pack and examine the graft.
Complications
What complications can occur?
As with any procedure, there are several possible risks. Ask the surgeon to
explain the risk to you.
Possible complications with common procedures can include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). In myringoplasty surgery, there are several possible risks, such as:
graft failure
hearing loss
tinnitus
change of taste
allergic reactions
You can minimize the risk of complications by following the doctor's instructions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.